Job 35
The Address of ElihuIn this section, Elihu continues to speak with Job and his friends. He points out some of Job’s words that were not right and offers a thoughtful reply. Elihu wants Job to see that God is never in debt to anyone and that God’s greatness means our actions do not change who He is. Elihu also explains that while our actions can affect other people, they do not add to or take away from God’s glory or happiness. This is an important lesson about the difference between God and humans. v. 2–3: Elihu reminds Job of some things he has said: Thinkest thou this to be right, that thou saidst, My righteousness is more than God's? For thou saidst, What profit shall I have, if I be cleansed from my sin? (Job 35:2–3 a). Elihu challenges Job, asking if it is fair to say he deserves more from God than he is getting. He points out that Job seems to question whether there is any benefit in following God, especially if suffering still comes. – v. 4: Elihu says, I will answer thee, and thy companions with thee . He promises to answer both Job and anyone else who agrees with him. Elihu will show that God is greater than man (Job 33:12 b), so God cannot owe anything to people. v. 5: Elihu says, Look unto the heavens, and see; and behold the clouds which are higher than thou . He uses the sky as an example to remind Job that God is far above people and beyond our understanding. Just as the heavens are high above us, so is God’s greatness. v. 6: Elihu explains, If thou sinnest, what doest thou against him? or if thy transgressions be multiplied, what doest thou unto him? . Even if someone sins a lot, they cannot harm God or take away from His power or glory. God is not changed by our sins. v. 7: Elihu adds, If thou be righteous, what givest thou him? or what receiveth he of thine hand? . If someone does good, God does not receive anything He needs. Our good deeds do not add to God’s happiness or strength. v. 8: He says, Thy wickedness may hurt a man as thou art; and thy righteousness may profit the son of man . Our actions can hurt or help other people, but they do not change God. God is not benefited or harmed by what we do, but He does care how we treat each other. Elihu Explains Why God Seems Silent to the OppressedIn this section, Elihu responds to Job’s complaint that God does not seem to answer the cries of those who are suffering under oppression. Elihu wants Job and the listeners to understand that the problem is not with God’s justice or care. Instead, Elihu explains that people often do not seek God sincerely or humbly in their troubles, and this is why they do not receive help.v. 9: Elihu points out Job’s complaint: By reason of the multitude of oppressions, they make the oppressed to cry: they cry out by reason of the arm of the mighty . Job had noticed that many people suffer under cruel leaders, and they cry out for help, but it seems God does not answer them right away (Job 24:12 c). v. 10: Elihu explains that the real problem is that people do not turn to God in their pain: But none saith, Where is God my Maker, who giveth songs in the night? . Instead of seeking comfort and help from God, people only focus on their suffering. Few remember to look for God, even though He created them and can give joy even in hard times (Ecclesiastes 12:1 d). v. 11: Elihu says that God teaches us more than the beasts of the earth, and makes us wiser than the fowls of heaven . God gave us minds and the ability to seek Him, which animals do not have. When people only cry out in pain but do not seek God, they act no better than animals. v. 12: Elihu continues, There they cry, but none giveth answer, because of the pride of evil men . He explains that God does not answer because people are proud and do not humble themselves before Him. God listens to the humble, not to those who are selfish or filled with pride (Psalm 10:17 e). v. 13: Elihu concludes, Surely God will not hear vanity, neither will the Almighty regard it . If people pray without sincerity or true repentance, God will not listen. Only honest, humble prayers reach God, because He looks for truth in the heart. Elihu Rebukes Job’s Doubts and Encourages Trust in GodIn this section, Elihu addresses Job’s feelings of despair and confusion. Job had complained that he could not see or understand God’s purpose in his suffering, and he doubted that he would ever see God’s favor again. Elihu explains that these thoughts are not right. He urges Job to trust God’s wisdom and timing, even when things are hard to understand. Elihu teaches that God always acts with justice and that we should wait patiently for His help, rather than complain or lose hope.v. 14: Elihu says, Although thou sayest thou shalt not see him, yet judgment is before him; therefore trust thou in him . He reminds Job that even if he cannot see or understand God’s ways, God knows exactly what He is doing. God has a plan and will bring justice at the right time. So, Job should keep trusting God, even when he cannot see the outcome (Isaiah 30:18 f). v. 15: Elihu explains, But now, because it is not so, he hath visited in his anger; yet he knoweth it not in great extremity . He says that if Job has not yet seen relief, it is because he has not truly trusted and waited for God. Sometimes, when we do not trust God, our troubles feel even heavier, and God may allow us to feel His displeasure until we learn to trust Him fully (Proverbs 19:3 g). v. 16: Elihu concludes, Therefore doth Job open his mouth in vain; he multiplieth words without knowledge (Job 35:16 h). He says that Job’s many complaints are useless because they come from a lack of understanding and trust in God. Elihu does not call Job a hypocrite, but he does say that Job has spoken unwisely out of pain and frustration. When we are corrected for speaking rashly, we should accept it and learn from it, just as Job eventually did.
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